"Pool Master! Did you see it? What more proof do we need? Kent is clearly above all five. He must be made Prime Disciple immediately!"
Gasps rang among the elders. Elder Hua lowered his head in silent acknowledgment, while even the stoic Elder Jin gave a slight nod of approval.
But above them all, standing silently at the edge of the highest platform, the Immortal Living Pool Master—a man shrouded in calm majesty and mystery—remained unmoved.
He did not clap.
He did not smile.
He merely raised his hand, and the cheers across the arena died instantly.
Then came his voice, calm and thunderous like an ancient mountain spirit.
"Kent is indeed strong."
The elders and disciples leaned forward.
"His movements are refined, and his instincts are terrifying. His battle sense borders on the divine."
A pause.
"But I cannot declare him Prime Disciple."
The entire arena stiffened.
